10th NASS: Sen Akpabio’s Tenure Faces Opposition Amid Southern Senate Presidents’ Historical Challenges

In a political landscape marked by a rare occurrence, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, hailing from the South, finds himself in a precarious position as he becomes the first Southerner to occupy the Senate president seat in 16 years. His leadership faces a challenging battle for survival, both within and outside the ruling party.

Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa-Ibom State, is grappling with mounting opposition to his leadership style in the upper chamber, often referred to by Nigerians as a “retirement home” for ex-governors. Notably, several lawmakers, including members of the ruling party, the APC, have openly opposed his tenure.

Senator Ali Ndume, who once coordinated Akpabio’s campaign, is now engaged in a fierce struggle with him. Elisha Abbo led the anti-Akpabio movement until his dismissal from the House of Representatives. Ndume, though a persistent challenger, hasn’t secured victories in previous clashes with Senate Presidents.

However, the danger looms for Akpabio, given his relatively modest victory margin. In contrast to an overwhelming endorsement, Akpabio secured only 63 votes, with Abdulaziz Yari amassing 46 votes. This has led insiders within the Senate to view Yari as a potential alternative to Akpabio in light of the mounting opposition he faces.

The historical challenges faced by Southern Senate Presidents come into focus. From 1999 to 2007, five Southerners held the Senate President seat, but three of them were forced out for various reasons. In contrast, Northern Senate Presidents have enjoyed more stable tenures.

One key factor in the Southern Senators’ difficulties may be the Senate’s distribution, with 51 Senators from the South and 58 from the North. Additionally, a significant portion of Southern Senators belong to opposition parties, further complicating matters for Akpabio.

While President Tinubu’s appointments distribution has not been entirely favorable to Akpabio, Senators from the North have expressed concerns about what they perceive as the “yorubanisation” of the government. Akpabio’s involvement in confirming these appointments has raised eyebrows among Northern Senators.

Despite these challenges, many Senators are cautious about opposing the Senate President, as they desire better funding for the National Assembly, particularly with the impending presentation of the 2024 budget. President Tinubu previously allocated N70 billion to lawmakers, and for the first time, all members of the National Assembly will receive SUVs instead of the traditional Toyota Camrys.

At present, Akpabio enjoys the support of the President, with key figures such as Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Solomon Olamilekan firmly behind him. However, his ability to navigate the complex political landscape and maintain his position remains uncertain as the battle for the Senate President’s seat unfolds.